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All About CRM: Its Purpose and Importance For Businesses

In the competitive world of modern business, customer relationships are the cornerstone of success. Whether you’re a small startup or a large corporation, managing these relationships can make the difference between growth and stagnation. One way to effectively manage business relationships is through CRM – a powerful tool that can transform how you interact with customers, streamline operations, and boost your bottom line. But what exactly is CRM, and why is it so crucial for businesses today? 

What is CRM?

iManila CRM

CRM, or Customer Relationship Management, refers to a set of strategies, practices, and technologies that companies use to manage and analyze customer interactions and data throughout the customer lifecycle. The goal is simple: improve business relationships, assist in customer retention, and drive sales growth. A robust CRM system consolidates customer information into a single database so business users can more easily access and manage it.

The Core Purpose of CRM

At its core, CRM aims to enhance the customer experience. By centralizing customer data, businesses can gain valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences. This enables companies to tailor their interactions and offers to meet individual needs, thereby fostering stronger relationships and loyalty.

  1. Improved Customer Service: A CRM system provides comprehensive customer information, enabling customer service representatives to address issues more efficiently and effectively. With access to a customer’s history and preferences, agents can provide personalized support, enhancing the overall customer experience.
  2. Increased Sales: CRM systems streamline the sales process by automating tasks and providing sales teams with detailed information about customer interactions. CRM helps identify potential leads, track follow-ups, and close deals more efficiently.
  3. Enhanced Customer Retention: By using CRM data to understand customer needs and behavior, businesses can implement more effective retention strategies. Personalized communication, targeted marketing campaigns, and timely follow-ups help in keeping customers engaged and satisfied.
  4. Better Data Management: CRM stores all customer data in one central location, making it easily accessible to relevant departments.

Why Every Business Needs a CRM

Implementing a CRM system is not just about technology; it’s about transforming your business processes to be more customer-centric. Here are a few reasons why CRM is indispensable:

  1. Streamlined Communication: CRM systems facilitate better internal communication by providing a unified view of customer interactions. This ensures that all team members are informed and can work together seamlessly.
  2. Data-Driven Decisions: CRM systems provide valuable insights through analytics and reporting tools. Businesses can make informed decisions based on real-time data, leading to more effective strategies and better outcomes.
  3. Scalability: As your business grows, a CRM system can scale with it. Whether you’re expanding your customer base, adding new services, or entering new markets, CRM systems are designed to support growth without compromising efficiency.
  4. Improved Marketing Efforts: With detailed customer information at your fingertips, marketing teams can create more targeted and effective campaigns. CRM systems help segment customers, personalize messages, and track the success of marketing efforts.

Conclusion

In today’s competitive business landscape, CRM is no longer a luxury but a necessity. By centralizing customer data and facilitating better communication, CRM systems enhance customer service, boost sales, and improve customer retention. Implementing a CRM system can lead to significant improvements in operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, ultimately driving business growth.

If you’re ready to take your customer relationships to the next level, iManila is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how our CRM solutions can benefit your business. Let’s build stronger customer relationships together!

Partner with iManila

With 28 years of experience in the industry and an IT company at its core, iManila, having been one of the first Internet Service Providers in the Philippines, is committed to providing our clients with innovative information technology, web, and digital solutions.

iManila is a full-service business web development company in the Philippines ready to help you with WordPress website creation or building an ecommerce website for your business. From web design and development and website update and maintenance, to web hosting, email hosting, and technical, desktop and remote support, we are your team. Aside from this, we are also a website and mobile applications development company specializing in customized web systems for businesses in different industries and a top digital marketing agency that provides a wide range of digital marketing services. Talk to us!

10 Things To Prepare Before Creating Your First Business Website

Creating your first business website is an exciting step toward establishing your online presence and reaching a wider audience.  However, establishing a strong base is crucial prior to starting on the planning and development phase. Here are ten important things you should do before you start making your website:

1. Define Your Goals

Prior to commencing the design and development process of your business website, it is necessary to clearly define your objectives. Are you interested in boosting your online sales, generating leads, or building brand credibility? Understanding your objectives will influence the direction and substance of your website.

2. Identify Your Target Audience

define target audience imanila

Understand who your ideal customers are and tailor your website to meet their needs. Conduct market research to gather insights into their demographics, preferences, and behaviors. This will help you create content and features that resonate with your target audience.

3. Choose the Right Domain Name

Selecting a memorable and relevant domain name is key to your website’s success. Keep it short, easy to spell, and reflective of your brand. Use domain name search tools to check availability and ensure it hasn’t been trademarked by another company.

4. Plan Your Content Strategy

Develop a content strategy that aligns with your brand identity and resonates with your target audience. Determine what type of content you’ll publish, such as blog posts, product pages, or multimedia content. Create a content calendar to stay organized and consistent with your updates.

5. Optimize for SEO

Incorporate search engine optimization (SEO) best practices into your website from the outset. Conduct keyword research to identify relevant terms and phrases for your industry. Optimize your website’s structure, meta tags, and content to improve its visibility in search engine results.

6. Design with User Experience in Mind

Focus on creating a user-friendly website that provides a seamless browsing experience. Choose a clean and intuitive design layout, prioritize mobile responsiveness, and optimize page loading speed. Make it easy for visitors to navigate your site and find the information they need.

7. Gather High-Quality Visual Assets

Invest in professional photography, graphics, and videos to enhance the visual appeal of your website. High-quality visuals can help grab the attention of visitors and communicate your brand message effectively. Ensure that your visual assets align with your brand aesthetic and reinforce your key messaging.

8. Set Up Analytics and Tracking

set up analytics and tracking imanila

Implement web analytics tools, such as Google Analytics, to track visitor behavior and measure the performance of your website. Set up conversion tracking to monitor key metrics, such as sales, leads, and sign-ups. Use this data to identify areas for improvement and refine your marketing strategies.

9. Secure Your Website

Protect your website and your customers’ data by implementing robust security measures. Choose a reliable web hosting provider that offers SSL encryption and regular security updates like iManila. Install security plugins and follow best practices for password management to minimize the risk of cyber threats.

10. Create a Launch Plan

Plan a strategic launch for your website to maximize its impact and reach. Develop a marketing plan that includes promotion through social media, email newsletters, and other channels. Consider offering special promotions or incentives to attract visitors to your new site.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to create your first business website with confidence. And when it comes to reliable web hosting and security solutions, consider partnering with iManila. Visit iManila today to learn more about their services and how they can support your online endeavors.

Partner with iManila

With 28 years of experience in the industry and an IT company at its core, iManila, having been one of the first Internet Service Providers in the Philippines, a web development company and a top digital marketing company in the country, is committed to providing our clients with innovative information technology, web, and digital solutions. 

iManila is a top hosting provider in the Philippines, offering reliable web hosting solutions, including shared web hosting, business cloud hosting, and dedicated server hosting to meet your business needs. As a leading web development company, iManila also offers web design and development, website update and maintenance, and technical, desktop, and remote support services. Our expertise extends to mobile applications development specializing in customized web systems catered to diverse industries. As a top digital marketing agency, we also offer a wide range of digital marketing services. Talk to us! 

How To Build a Robust E-Commerce Site with iManila

In today’s digital age, where every click translates into a potential sale, the success of your business hinges on the strength of your e-commerce site. As the digital marketplace continues to evolve and consumer expectations soar, the demand for a seamless, secure, and captivating e-commerce platform becomes non-negotiable. In this pursuit, iManila stands out as a trusted and seasoned web development agency, ready to assist you on this transformative journey.

In this blog, we’ll navigate through the key elements and crucial steps to help you construct a robust e-commerce site. Discover how partnering with iManila could be the game-changer you’re seeking to stand out in the competitive digital landscape. Let’s embark on this journey together and redefine your digital commerce experience.

Strategic Planning

strategic planning when building e-commerce website

Before diving into the development process, a strategic plan is the cornerstone of a successful e-commerce venture. Thus, work closely with iManila’s expert team to define your goals, target audience, and unique selling propositions. This crucial step sets the foundation for the design and functionality of your online store.

Intuitive User Experience (UX) Design

iManila excels in creating user experiences that captivate and convert. The design of your e-commerce site is meticulously crafted to guide users effortlessly through the buyer’s journey. We optimize every aspect of your website, including intuitive navigation and product displays, to create exceptional user experiences. 

Seamless Payment Integration

Facilitating smooth transactions is a hallmark of a successful e-commerce site. iManila seamlessly integrates secure payment gateways, ensuring that your customers can make purchases with confidence. Our team ensures that your e-commerce site can accommodate a variety of payment methods for ease of transaction.

Responsive Design for Every Device

responsive design e-commerce site

In an era dominated by mobile users, iManila prioritizes responsive design. We create e-commerce sites that are seamlessly accessible across different devices to provide users with a consistent and engaging experience.

Performance and Security

iManila places a premium on performance and security. We care about the security of your customers. With iManila, your e-commerce site will be engineered with cybersecurity measures, including SSL encryption and secure payment gateways.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Mastery

Finally, in the competitive landscape of e-commerce, visibility is key. iManila employs robust SEO strategies to ensure that your products are discoverable by your target audience. From keyword optimization to meta tags and site structure, every element is optimized to enhance your site’s search engine rankings.

Building a robust e-commerce site with iManila is more than a development project; it’s a collaborative journey towards digital success. From ideation to execution, we stand ready to empower your e-commerce ambitions. Embrace the possibilities, elevate your online presence, and embark on a journey of e-commerce innovation and excellence with iManila.

Partner with iManila

With 27 years of experience in the industry and an IT company at its core, iManila, having been one of the first Internet Service Providers in the Philippines, is committed to providing our clients with innovative information technology, web, and digital solutions.

iManila is a full-service business web development company in the Philippines ready to help you with WordPress website creation or building an ecommerce website for your business. From web design and development and website update and maintenance, to web hosting, email hosting, and technical, desktop and remote support, we are your team. Aside from this, we are also a website and mobile applications development company specializing in customized web systems for businesses in different industries and a top digital marketing agency that provides a wide range of digital marketing services. Talk to us!

Mobile App or Web Development: Which Fits Your Needs Best?

Businesses constantly seek effective ways to reach their target audience and enhance user experiences. Two famous avenues for achieving this are mobile app development and web development. Both options have unique advantages, and choosing the right one depends on your business needs and goals.

In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between mobile app and web development, their benefits, and how to decide which aligns best with your requirements.

Mobile App Development

wireframe for mobile app development

Mobile apps are software applications for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. These apps are usually available through app marketplaces like the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Let’s look at some key advantages of mobile app development:

  • Enhanced User Experience

Mobile apps offer a more immersive and user-friendly experience than mobile websites. They can utilize device features like a camera, GPS, and push notifications, resulting in personalized and interactive user experiences.

  • Offline Access

Once downloaded, many mobile apps can be used without an internet connection. Furthermore, this offline functionality ensures users can access crucial features and information even with limited connectivity.

  • Performance and Speed

Native mobile apps are optimized for specific platforms (iOS or Android), providing better performance and faster load times. As a result, this leads to improved user satisfaction and increased engagement.

  • Branding and Recognition

A well-designed mobile app can contribute to brand recognition and loyalty. An app icon on users’ home screens keeps your brand visible and easily accessible.

Web Development

website development

Web development involves creating websites and web applications, making them accessible through internet browsers on various devices. Here are some key advantages of web development:

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility

Web applications can be accessed on multiple platforms. These platforms include smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops, without requiring separate versions for each device.

  • Cost-Effectiveness

Developing a responsive website is often more cost-effective. Moreover, it avoids the need to build multiple apps for various platforms.

  • Easy Updates and Maintenance

Unlike mobile apps that require user downloads, web applications can be updated instantly. This feature ensures that everyone accesses the latest version simultaneously.

  • Wider Reach

Websites are accessible through search engines, enabling you to reach a broader audience. In contrast, mobile apps may have limited reach since they require user downloads.

Choosing the Right Option

To determine whether a mobile app or a website best fits your needs, it’s essential to consider the following factors:

  • User Experience Requirements

A mobile app might be the better choice if your application demands complex interactions and needs to leverage device-specific features. However, a web app might suffice if your primary goal is to provide information or simple functionality across multiple devices.

  • Development Budget and Timeframe

Web development is generally more cost-effective and faster to deploy, especially when targeting multiple platforms. On the other hand, mobile app development may take longer and require separate development for each platform. This makes mobile app development more costly than developing a website or web application. 

  • Target Audience

Understand your target audience’s preferences. A mobile app could offer better engagement if your audience predominantly uses mobile devices. In contrast, a web app may be more suitable if they access your service from various devices.

  • App Complexity and Features

The complexity of your application and the features it requires should influence your decision. A mobile app would be a better choice if your app needs advanced functionalities and hardware integration.

When your business decides between web app and mobile app development, it is crucial to evaluate your particular needs and goals thoroughly. Partnering with an agency like iManila can ensure that you receive expert guidance and support throughout your development process.

In conclusion, whether your company chooses mobile app development or web development, constant improvement and adaptability are required to stay competitive in today’s digital landscape. Let’s connect and discuss how we can achieve your digital objectives together!

With 27 years of experience in the industry and an IT company at its core, iManila, having been one of the first Internet Service Providers in the Philippines, is committed to providing our clients with innovative information technology, web, and digital solutions. 

iManila is an applications developer in the Philippines specializing in crafting customized web systems and mobile applications tailored to various industries. We also offer reliable web hosting solutions, including shared web hosting, business cloud hosting, and dedicated server hosting to meet your specific business requirements. iManila also excels in web design and development, offering website update and maintenance services and technical, desktop, and remote support services. As a top digital marketing agency, we also offer a wide range of digital marketing services. Talk to us!  

Does Your Business Need a Mobile App? 5 Reasons Why You Might NOT Need One

In today’s digital age, technology has enabled businesses to reach their target audience through various platforms. One popular platform is mobile apps. While mobile apps offer a range of benefits, such as increased customer engagement, improved customer experience, and increased revenue, it’s essential to carefully consider whether investing in a mobile app aligns with your business goals and priorities. By analyzing your business needs and target audience, you can make an informed decision about whether investing in a mobile app is the right choice for your business. This blog will highlight five reasons your business may not benefit from a mobile app to help you decide whether it’s a worthy investment. 

Your Site Serves as a Standalone Platform

website that is responsive in desktop, mobile, and tablet

Expanding on the idea, if the primary objective of developing an app is merely to recreate the features and capabilities of your website, it is not a recommended decision to proceed. Allocating financial resources and investing in marketing to promote an app that offers no additional value compared to your existing website would not yield worthwhile returns. An app should serve a distinct purpose and deliver unique benefits beyond your website. 

Your Existing Digital Presence is Enough

Assess your online presence to determine if your business needs a mobile app. Evaluate if your website is responsive and provides a seamless mobile experience. If it does, investing in a mobile app may not be necessary. Instead, enhance your existing online platforms by optimizing your website, improving functionality, and enhancing user experience. This cost-effective approach can effectively cater to mobile users and reach a broader audience. Maximizing your current platforms allows you to meet customer needs without needing a separate mobile app. If you need help enhancing the functionality of your website, iManila offers web design and development services to cater to your needs. 

An App Won’t Give Enough Value to Your Customers

Assess whether an app can add more value to your existing customers. Be sure that your mobile app will make your customers’ lives easier. If it fails, you’ll lose both your customers and money. Consider exploring alternative methods to engage with your audience and deliver value instead of relying solely on a mobile app. Various options are available, such as utilizing social media platforms, implementing email marketing strategies, and more. These alternatives provide similar functionalities and opportunities for engagement, eliminating the necessity of developing a dedicated mobile app.

Your Nature of Business is Unsuitable for Mobile App

Research your industry and competitors to determine if having a mobile app is becoming a standard practice. If there is no significant mobile app presence within your nature of business, it could indicate that other strategies are more effective for your specific market. Ultimately, it’s essential to stay informed and adapt your approach to meet your customers’ needs.

You Don’t Have Enough Budget

business owner holding a wallet with little to no money

Financial factors should be taken into account when considering a mobile app. Creating a mobile app requires a significant investment covering design, development, maintenance, and regular updates. If your business has limited resources, then it’s wiser to allocate your budget to other areas that demand immediate attention.

A mobile app is a promising platform to increase engagement, leads, and sales, but it’s not for every business. If it doesn’t add more value to your customers, then it’s not worth investing in. Instead, focus on improving your existing platforms by regularly optimizing and updating them for maximum performance. Start by partnering with iManila to increase your digital presence. 

With 27 years of experience in the industry and an IT company at its core, iManila, having been one of the first Internet Service Providers in the Philippines, is committed to providing our clients with innovative information technology, web, and digital solutions. 

iManila is an applications developer in the Philippines specializing in crafting customized web systems and mobile applications tailored to various industries. We also offer reliable web hosting solutions, including shared web hosting, business cloud hosting, and dedicated server hosting to meet your specific business requirements. iManila also excels in web design and development, offering website update and maintenance services and technical, desktop, and remote support services. As a top digital marketing agency, we also offer a wide range of digital marketing services. Talk to us!  

Clock In to Success: How Automated Timekeeping Can Help Your Business

Time is a precious resource, and in the modern workplace, every second counts. This is why smart companies implement automated timekeeping. Going beyond punching in and out, timekeeping is about optimizing productivity and unlocking a workforce’s full potential. It ensures accurate payment and compliance with labor laws, helps with resource allocation and scheduling, and provides valuable data for performance evaluation.

In the pre-digital era, companies heavily relied on manual timekeeping methods. Punch cards, time clocks, and paper timesheets were the norm, which was prone to errors, were time-consuming and lacked real-time insights. And that’s where automated timekeeping steps in as a game-changer, revolutionizing how businesses manage their workforce. 

This technology-driven solution allows businesses to streamline their workforce management processes, improve accuracy, and save valuable time. From using biometric scanners to web systems, employees can easily clock in and out and managers can effortlessly monitor and analyze data in real-time.

Automated timekeeping holds a paramount of benefits. If you want to know how it can help your business, keep on reading!

Increased Accuracy

Automated timekeeping eliminates the risk of manual errors. It ensures precise recording of employee time, reducing payroll discrepancies and promoting fairness in compensation.

Time and Resource Savings

With automated timekeeping, businesses save valuable time and resources that would otherwise be spent on manual calculations and paperwork. This allows managers and HR personnel to focus on strategic initiatives and employee development.

Improved Compliance

Automated timekeeping systems can enforce break and overtime policies, ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations. This reduces the risk of non-compliance penalties and legal issues for the organization.

Enhanced Productivity

With streamlined timekeeping processes, employees can spend less time managing attendance and more time on productive work. This leads to increased overall productivity and efficiency in the workplace.

Data-Driven Insights

Automated timekeeping systems provide valuable data and analytics, offering insights into employee attendance patterns, labor costs, and workforce trends. This data can inform decision-making on labor allocation, scheduling, and budgeting.

Employee Empowerment

Automated timekeeping often allows employees to view their own time records, request time off, and manage their schedules. This fosters transparency, engagement, and a sense of ownership among employees.

Improved Record-Keeping

Automated timekeeping systems maintain accurate and organized records of employee time and attendance. This simplifies auditing, reporting, and record-keeping processes, ensuring data integrity and facilitating easy access to historical information when needed.

Scalability

Automated timekeeping solutions can easily adapt to the changing needs and growth of the organization. They can accommodate an increasing number of employees, multiple locations, and evolving business requirements.

Seamless Integration

Automated timekeeping can seamlessly integrate with other HR and payroll systems, allowing for efficient data exchange and streamlined processes.

Cost Savings

While there may be an upfront investment in implementing an automated timekeeping system, the long-term benefits and cost savings outweigh the initial costs. These savings come from reduced errors, improved productivity, streamlined processes, and efficient use of resources.

In today’s fast-paced business world, effective time management is the way to go. Reap all the above benefits and clock in to success by implementing automated timekeeping with iManila, a trusted website and applications developer!

With 27 years of experience in the industry and an IT company at its core, iManila, having been one of the first Internet Service Providers in the Philippines, is committed to providing our clients with innovative information technology, web, and digital solutions.

iManila is a full-service business web development company in the Philippines ready to help you with WordPress website creation or building an ecommerce website for your business. From web design and development and website update and maintenance, to web hosting, email hosting, and technical, desktop and remote support, we are your team. Aside from this, we are also a website and mobile applications development company specializing in customized web systems for businesses in different industries and a top digital marketing agency that provides a wide range of digital marketing services. Talk to us!

 

Agency vs. Freelancer: Choosing the Right Digital Partner

Having a strong online presence is non-negotiable in order to thrive in this digital age. And to achieve that, choosing the right digital partner is crucial – whether you need web design and development, web hosting, or digital marketing services. Oftentimes, the options boil down to two: hiring a freelancer or partnering with a digital agency.

Just like anything in this world, these two have their own strengths and weaknesses. As a business owner, it’s important to weigh these pros and cons before making a final decision. With that, let’s take a quick look at their attributes in the lens of things you must consider in choosing the right digital partner for your business.

Management

When hiring freelancers, the employers are usually the project managers. For this reason, if you have a large team of freelancers on your side, it will be a bit harder for you to manage. Some of the things that you need to do include facilitating collaboration, providing guidance, and authorizing freelancers throughout the project.

When it comes to an agency, you don’t need to be hands-on. You can depend on the team to strategize and assess your ads according to your targets and end goal. Not only that but you can be involved in the project to exactly the extent you want.

Cost

Freelancers set a rate according to their work, so you get to decide what fits your budget for your project. They have a choice to either have a fixed rate for the project or an hourly rate. Unlike agencies, it is easier to find a freelancer at almost any rate you want for any task.

Compared to freelancers, agencies are more expensive. With that said, however, they are more cost-effective in the long run since they have a team that can give you assurance. Here, you don’t need to give up your own time to the project as the payment since you can expect less back and forth with an agency, given that more hands are on deck when it comes to your project.

Skills

When hiring freelancers, it’s important to conduct thorough research to ensure they possess the specific skills required for your project. While beginners may offer limited services, experienced freelancers often specialize in niche areas, making the selection process more challenging. You need to carefully identify the exact skills you need for your specific project.

However, if you’re pressed for time and require a diverse range of skills to handle your project, a digital agency is the perfect solution. With an agency, you can easily access a wide array of services and find experts with the relevant expertise. Unlike freelancers, agencies offer a comprehensive skill set and have the capacity to tackle complex issues and optimize digital campaigns. Working with an agency means tapping into a pool of diverse talents and capabilities.

Communication

In terms of communication, working with a freelancer often means relying on a single point of contact. While this can offer a more personalized experience, this could also mean that if that person becomes unavailable, it can be challenging to find an immediate solution to address your concerns. This can cause delays and frustration in the project execution.

On the other hand, digital agencies have a structured communication approach. They often have dedicated account managers and project coordinators who act as your main points of contact. These professionals ensure smooth and consistent communication throughout the project. Also, they have a team of skilled individuals to address your specific needs and queries.

Choice of People to Work With

When hiring a freelancer, you have the advantage of handpicking the individual who best suits your project. This allows you to consider factors such as communication style, personality, and specific skills required.

On the other hand, when partnering with a digital agency, you may not have direct control over the specific specialist assigned to your project. However, you can rely on the agency’s extensive portfolio and experience to ensure high-quality work. If you find that the initially assigned account manager doesn’t meet your expectations, the agency can address your concerns. They can provide you a more suitable replacement.

In today’s digital realm, finding a reliable partner is key to unlocking success for your business. While freelancers bring specialized skills to the table, collaborating with a digital agency offers the added advantage of working with a reputable and established entity. With a proven track record of success, agencies have a talented team of professionals with diverse expertise. This enables them to provide comprehensive services and ensure the optimal use of your marketing budget. Have the peace of mind that your projects are entrusted to capable hands with a team like iManila!

With 27 years of experience in the industry and an IT company at its core, iManila, having been one of the first Internet Service Providers in the Philippines, is committed to providing our clients with innovative information technology, web, and digital solutions.

iManila is a full-service business web development company in the Philippines ready to help you with WordPress website creation or building an ecommerce website for your business. From web design and development and website update and maintenance, to web hosting, email hosting, and technical, desktop and remote support, we are your team. Aside from this, we are also a website and mobile applications development company specializing in customized web systems for businesses in different industries and a top digital marketing agency that provides a wide range of digital marketing services. Talk to us!

7 Ways a CRM Can Help You Build a Long-Lasting Customer Relationship

Customers are the driving force behind any company’s fate. They can make businesses exist or cease in a snap. That being said, building and maintaining a strong relationship with them is crucial to your company’s success. This is where Customer Relationship Management (CRM) comes in handy. 

CRM is a web application that allows companies to manage and analyze customer interactions and data throughout the customer lifecycle. It provides a framework for building and maintaining positive relationships with customers, which ultimately leads to increased customer satisfaction, retention, and revenue. 

If you want to know how CRM systems can bring your customer relationship to the next level, keep on reading! 

A better understanding of customers

CRM provides a 360-degree view of each customer hence, giving businesses a complete understanding of their consumer base. By storing all their information in one location, a CRM system makes personalizing communication with customers easy. A CRM system also allows businesses to track all past customer interactions. Thus, giving them a better understanding of who their customers are and what they need and want, as well as the details of regular interactions with them. 

A powerful tool for segmentation

Effective customer segmentation is crucial for businesses to build meaningful relationships with their customers. To achieve this, businesses need to identify their target audiences and tailor their approach accordingly. Fortunately, CRM is an ideal tool for segmentation. It allows businesses to create segmented lists by categorizing customer data based on various criteria. A good CRM system can even help identify interested customers, those still considering their options, and those who are not yet engaged.

Improved customer retention

A CRM is not just useful for acquiring and nurturing potential and new customers. It is also essential for maintaining good relationships with your existing customers. A CRM system provides numerous benefits for customer retention, including reminders for appointments and follow-up emails. This ensures businesses are in touch with their customers. 

Knowledge of customers’ needs

Having knowledge of what to expect can provide us with confidence, and this also applies to the business world. CRM systems can provide businesses with knowledge of customer buying habits, purchase history, and interaction history. This helps them cross-sell or upsell products and provide better customer service. 

Speedy communication

Being responsive to customer requests in a timely manner is a sign of professionalism and can help improve customer service. A CRM system can help with this by providing customizable email templates, documents, proposals, quotes, invitations, and newsletters. In this way, businesses can save time and increase efficiency. Also, CRM systems allow businesses to draft and schedule emails and SMS messages in advance which is great too!

Protection of private data

A CRM system enhances data privacy by centralizing customer data and providing controls to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access. It also offers security features like encryption and data backups to prevent data breaches. Lastly, by keeping track of customer preferences and consent, CRM systems ensure that businesses are only using customer data in ways that align with their preferences and privacy regulations.

Easy internal collaboration

A good CRM system not only enhances customer relationships but also fosters collaboration within the organization. It improves internal communication and transparency, enabling mutual understanding on projects, and consistent image presentation. It places the customer at the center and ensures employees approach and maintain customer relationships in a unified way.

In today’s highly competitive business landscape, having a comprehensive CRM system in place is important. If you’re ready to take the leap and invest in this web application system, talk to the experts in iManila!

With 27 years of experience in the industry and an IT company at its core, iManila, having been one of the first Internet Service Providers in the Philippines, is committed to providing our clients with innovative information technology, web, and digital solutions.

iManila is a full-service business web development company in the Philippines ready to help you with WordPress website creation or building an ecommerce website for your business. From web design and development and website update and maintenance, to web hosting, email hosting, and technical, desktop and remote support, we are your team. Aside from this, we are also a website and mobile applications development company specializing in customized web systems for businesses in different industries and a top digital marketing agency that provides a wide range of digital marketing services. Talk to us!

Web Apps vs. Mobile Apps: Which Is Most Suited For Your Business?

Many people mistakenly believe that websites and mobile applications are the same thing, when in fact they have huge differences. These two are designed and developed differently. Thus, possess distinct characteristics that affect their usability, functionality, and user experience. If you’re considering developing an app for your business, it’s important to understand these differences. This can help you make an informed decision on which type of app to develop based on your target audience, user needs, and business objectives.

To assist you in your decision-making process, we’ve outlined the primary differences of web and mobile apps in this blog. Let’s take a look!

Web Apps

A website application, or simply web app, is a software application that’s accessible through a web browser over the internet. It runs on a remote server and can be accessed through a variety of devices including computers and smartphones. It doesn’t require users to download and install them on their devices. As long as they have an internet connection, they’re all set.

Advantages:

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Website applications can be accessed through any device with a web browser. This makes them easily accessible on any platform or operating system.
  • No Downloads or Installations: Web apps don’t require downloading or installation. It saves users storage space on their devices and reduces the time needed to access them.
  • Easy Maintenance: Since website applications have a single code base, updating and maintaining them is easier and more cost-effective.
  • Lower Development Costs: Developing a web app can be less expensive than developing a native app for different platforms.
  • Easy to Share: Sharing web apps is simple because they can be accessed through a URL.

Disadvantages:

  • Limited Functionality: Website applications don’t have access to the same system resources as native apps. With this, it has limited functionalities and performance.
  • Dependence on Internet Connection: Web apps require a stable internet connection to work properly. This can be a disadvantage in areas with poor connectivity.
  • Security Risks: Website applications are vulnerable to security threats like hacking, phishing, and malware attacks because they are accessible through the internet.
  • Not Ideal for Complex Apps: Web apps are not suitable for complex apps that require advanced hardware or software features.
  • Limited User Experience: Native apps offer a more customized and personalized user experience compared to web apps. These are more generic and standardized.

Mobile Apps

As the name itself, mobile app is a software application designed to run on mobile devices including smartphones and tablets. It is typically downloaded from an app store like Google Play Store or Apple App Store. They are specifically designed to run on a mobile device’s operating system, such as Android or iOS. It takes advantage of the device’s hardware, including its touch screen, camera, GPS, and other features. 

Advantages:

  • Accessibility: Mobile applications are easily accessible from anywhere and anytime through smartphones and tablets.
  • Offline availability: There are mobile apps that can be accessed even without an internet connection. This allows users to use them in areas with poor or no network coverage.
  • Enhanced user experience: Mobile applications provide a better user experience than web apps. Since they are designed specifically for mobile devices, users can utilize device-specific features like touchscreens, cameras, and GPS.
  • Personalization: Mobile apps can be personalized to each user’s preferences. This makes them feel more connected to the app and more likely to continue using it.
  • Push notifications: Mobile applications can send push notifications to users, providing reminders, updates, and other important information.

Disadvantages:

  • Development cost: Developing a mobile app can be expensive, especially if it needs to be developed for multiple platforms.
  • Maintenance cost: Maintaining a mobile application can also be costly, requiring regular updates and bug fixes.
  • Device compatibility: Mobile apps may not be compatible with all devices, limiting the app’s reach and accessibility.
  • App store approval process: Mobile apps must go through an approval process before they can be listed in app stores. This can be time-consuming and costly.
  • Limited functionality: Mobile apps may have limited functionality compared to web apps, especially in terms of data processing and storage.

Bottomline

There are a lot of factors to consider when developing an app for your business. Make sure to think of your audience and choose what can provide the best possible experience to them. Another thing, for easier and outstanding application development, partner with a tech company that has proven its expertise and reliability in application development like iManila

With 27 years of experience in the industry and an IT company at its core, iManila, having been one of the first Internet Service Providers in the Philippines, is committed to providing our clients with innovative information technology, web, and digital solutions.
iManila is a full-service business web development company in the Philippines ready to help you with WordPress website creation or building an ecommerce website for your business. From web design and development and website update and maintenance, to web hosting, email hosting, and technical, desktop and remote support, we are your team. Aside from this, we are also an applications development company specializing in customized web systems for businesses in different industries and a top digital marketing agency that provides a wide range of digital marketing services. Talk to us!